Since the beginning of this month, Colorado Rockies great, four-time all-star, and two-time Silver Slugger Award winner Charlie Blackmon has been going through a severe slump. During the beginning of the season, Blackmon was one of two veterans holding it down for the Rockies. However, since Colorado edged themselves in the history books, the Rockies outfielder/designated hitter’s play has certainly hit a stump. He has not played in the team’s past two games, but once he returns, Blackmon must lead this team once again. This current slump is not the greatest example to send to a team full of young players who look up to and admire a great Colorado legend like the 14-year veteran.
It’s up to the Rockies outfielder to make something happen at the plate and help give this team some wins they have been desperately wanting all season long.
Charlie Blackmon’s Hot Start to the Season
The soon-to-be 38-year-old outfielder had a great spring training. In 47 at-bats Blackmon recorded 18 hits plus two home runs and six runs batted in with a .383 batting average. Through his first 11 games of the regular season Colorado’s 14-year veteran slashed .333/.404/.571. Through his first 11 games of the season, he had 14 hits and brought home six of his nine runs batted in. However, over his last 17 games played, he’s put up a mediocre slash line of .123/.167/.140. The Rockies have gone 1-5 in their most recent road trip against the Miami Marlins, and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Although Blackmon did not play in the last game of the Pirates series, through five games on the road, the 14-year Rockies veteran went two for 15 with a run batted in.
Since May 1, Blackmon has been at-bat 11 times. He’s recorded just one hit and one walk with a .091 batting average. That’s a big comparison to his numbers from April. During the first month of the season, the 14-year Rockies veteran had 77 at-bats. He put up 17 hits, one home run, six runs batted in, and six walks with a .221 batting average. Blackmon currently has one home run, and nine runs batted in with a .212 batting average thus far.
Blackmon Is Fighting to Get Back on Track
While he’s close to turning 38 years old, he must prove that age is just a number. Colorado gravely needs someone within the lineup to step up on a nightly basis. It must be Blackmon, along with Ryan McMahon to lead this group of young guys to victory. It will pay off in a big way when these younger guys on the team can give thanks and credit to Blackmon for their all-around success in the big leagues. Especially, if these younger guys are still wearing Rockies uniforms in the near future, and boost this team back into the postseason conversation.
It may be the end of Blackmon’s time seeing any postseason action. Nonetheless, it’s the soon-to-be 38-year-old’s main priority to help these younger guys out. These young promising prospects are the key to the Rockies future. If the 14-year veteran helps these prospects find their success at the Major League level, then we could possibly see the Rockies as a franchise consistently in the postseason.
Main Photo: © Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
